USDA Recognizes Schools that Have Excelled in the Areas of Nutrition and Physical Activity

April 29, 2011 – Recently, several schools in 38 U.S. states received a HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC) award to become certified as Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Gold of Distinction Schools by the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (USDA’s FNS) due to their ability to make changes to: 1) Improve the quality of the foods served; 2) Provide students with nutrition education; and 3) Provide students with physical education and opportunities for physical activity.  

The Challenge is designed to bring schools closer to compliance with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Institute of Medicine’s recommendations for school meals.  It is also a key component of the First Lady’s Let’s Move initiative, which includes the goal of doubling the number of HUSSC schools by June 2011 and adding 1,000 more schools for each of the following two years.  Monetary incentives are now available to all schools that achieve HUSSC status.

According to the USDA, schools that received the award will commit to meeting the HUSSC criteria throughout their 4-year certification period.  In addition, the schools will meet all the School Meals Initiative (SMI) requirements including energy and nutrient standards and age-appropriate portion sizes on an ongoing basis.  They will also serve reimbursable meals that reflect good menu planning principles, such as serving a variety of healthier foods that look good, taste good, and appeal to the cultural sensitivities of the school and community populations.  The meals will emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products; lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts; and foods low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars. 

To learn more about the application process, view tips from award winners, and access promotional and training and technical assistance materials, visit the HUSSC page.